For those who have experienced gout pain in your foot or big toe, you know it’s no walk in the park. Symptoms usually include swelling and sudden or intense pain in your joints— or feeling like your foot is on fire.
Some may experience warning signs right before the gout attack, such as a burning, itching, stiffness or tingling feeling in a joint an hour or two before the flare-up. This is good; it gives you time to react before the pain hits with some preventative measures.
Gout pain is caused by a buildup of uric acid. Fortunately, there are a number of home remedies that can help to relieve the pain for many sufferers.
Here are seven gout foot pain remedies for sweet relief:
1. Relaxation
Your inflamed or tingling foot is only going to feel worse when you apply pressure or stress on the aching joints. At the first sign of a gout flare-up, get off your feet. If possible, elevate your foot slightly to reduce the swelling.
2. Cold Compression
Like with most foot problems, temperature compressions can help to relieve the intensity. The coolness can bring down any inflammation, and the compression can help to soothe the aching.
For gout specifically, cold is your friend. Grab an ice pack or stick some cubes in a plastic bag. Wrap it with a thin towel and an ace bandage to secure to your foot with mild pressure for up to 20 minutes. This can be done in spaced increments several times a day during the flare-up.
While some may advise soaking your aching foot in hot water, we only recommend this if your inflammation is intense.
3. Hydration
Uric acid levels rise when you are dehydrated, potentially increasing your gout pain.
There’s a reason The Arthritis Foundation calls water a “magical elixir.” The best way to reduce these acidity levels and even bring down inflammation is to drink lots of water. It’ll help to flush out toxins and to lubricate your joints.
Other sources recommend tart cherry juice based on evidence from one compelling study. It also found that cherry extract supplements can be equally helpful in reducing gout pain. Similarly, apple juice may help, as the fruit contains malic acid, which lowers uric acid.
Another study found that varying green tea types may lower serum acid too. Read more about the potential of nettle, dandelion and hibiscus teas to soothe your gout pain on Healthline.
4. Avoiding Purines
A substance called purine can raise uric acid levels in your blood, triggering gout pain. Purines can be found in seafood (especially shellfish), such as anchovies, sardines, crab, lobster, mussels, shrimp, scallops, trout, and haddock.
They can also be found in fatty meats like bacon, turkey, and organs like liver. The Arthritis Foundation even cautions against meat in general, such as beef, duck, and pork for gout pain sufferers.
Other high-purine substances include all alcoholic beverages, especially beer. Those with frequent gout flare-ups should consider changing their diet if they heavily consume any of these foods and drinks.
5. Minerals & Spices
There are a number of minerals and spices that can help to reduce inflammation and gout pain, found right in your kitchen cabinets or as supplements at your local pharmacy.
- Ginger has been shown in multiple reputable studies to reduce serum uric acid levels and can be consumed in paste form for quick relief.
- Magnesium is a great mineral that also reduced inflammation and offers similar results as ginger.
- Lemon juice and turmeric can be easily dissolved into your drink for similar acid-neutralizing benefits.
6. Weight Loss
As with most foot and ankle problems, maintaining a healthy weight is extremely important. The fewer pounds pushing down on your lower extremities, the less pressure.
Shedding a few pounds can help to reduce swelling for those with gout problems, as well as to decrease the intensity of other ailments, like plantar heel and diabetic foot issues.
7. Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
When all other natural remedies fail, there are both over-the-counter and prescription strength medications for quick gout pain relief.
WebMD lists a few anti-inflammatory drugs for relieving gout attacks. Besides common pain relievers like naproxen or ibuprofen, oftentimes celecoxib, indomethacin, meloxicam or sulindac can do the trick.
Immediate Relief, Expert Care
Gout pain in your toes and feet can be extremely uncomfortable. While these home remedies may offer temporary relief, you might need professional care.
If you begin fevering, this is often a sign of infection. Don’t wait to come in.
We’ve got a full team ready to help, right away. Visit our contact page to make a quick appointment or give us a call today at 239.936.5400.
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